Does Ben Jerrys provide any resources or guidance on financial planning?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
5.2 DEVELOPER shall adopt a fiscal year as specified by BEN & JERRY'S. DEVELOPER shall at DEVELOPER'S expense, submit to BEN & JERRY'S in the form prescribed by BEN & JERRY'S, true and complete copies of the following reports, financial statements and other data:
- 5.2.1 Within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of DEVELOPER, financial statements prepared and reviewed by an independent certified public accountant, showing the results of operations, including the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flow prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles recognized in the United States as consistently applied ("Generally Accepted Accounting Principals" or "GAAP") (and, for each, the supporting notes) for DEVELOPER;
- 5.2.2 Within ninety (90) days after the end of each quarter of DEVELOPER'S fiscal year, financial statements including balance sheets and income statements for such owners of DEVELOPER as specified by BEN & JERRY'S;
- 5.2.3 Within thirty (30) days after their filing, DEVELOPER'S federal tax return for each year during the term of this Agreement; and
- 5.2.4 Such other forms, reports, records, information, and data as BEN & JERRY'S may reasonably designate.
Source: Item 10 — FINANCING (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Ben Jerrys requires franchisees to adhere to specific financial reporting standards and timelines. Ben Jerrys mandates that franchisees adopt a fiscal year as specified by them. Franchisees are then obligated to submit true and complete copies of various financial reports and data in a form prescribed by Ben Jerrys.
Specifically, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, franchisees must provide financial statements prepared and reviewed by an independent certified public accountant. These statements must show the results of operations, including a balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flow, all prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Additionally, within 90 days after the end of each quarter, franchisees need to submit financial statements, including balance sheets and income statements, for owners as specified by Ben Jerrys. Franchisees are also required to submit their federal tax return within 30 days after filing each year.
While Ben Jerrys requires these detailed financial submissions, the FDD does not explicitly state that Ben Jerrys provides resources or guidance to franchisees regarding financial planning. The FDD outlines the financial reporting obligations of the franchisee but does not describe any advisory services or tools offered by Ben Jerrys to help franchisees manage their finances or plan for the future. A prospective franchisee should inquire directly with Ben Jerrys about the availability of any financial planning resources or support.